Why are social networking applications successful? An empirical study of Twitter

Abstract

Social networking applications (SNAs) are among the fastest growing web applications of recent years. In this paper, we propose a causal model to assess the success of SNAs, grounded on DeLone and McLean's updated information system (IS) success model. In addition to their original three dimensions of quality, i.e., system quality, information quality and service quality, we propose that a fourth dimension - networking quality - contributes to SNA success. We empirically examined the proposed research model with a survey of 139 Twitter users. The data validates the significant role of networking quality in determining the focal SNA's success. This study also highlights the overwhelming impact of networking quality on user satisfaction compared to the influence from information quality and service quality. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.